An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Buddha of the Future (Miroku Bosatsu)late 600s
Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth century. For early Japanese devotees, Buddhism offered the promise of salvation through faith in the Buddha of the Future, who would appear at the end of the world. The concept of eternal salvation held particular resonance with the Japanese aristocracy, who became the staunchest supporters of this new faith. Small sculptures like this one, with its gentle grace and powerful presence, were popular devotional objects.
The Sanskrit name of this being, Maitreya, derives from the Sanskrit word for friend, <em>mita</em>.
cast bronze, incised, with traces of gilding
Overall: 45.8 cm (18 1/16 in.); Figure: 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the sixth century, a quiet breeze rustled through the land of Japan, carrying with it whispers of a new faith that promised salvation. It was a time when the delicate petals of cherry blossoms danced in the air, much like the aspirations of early Japanese devotees who were drawn to Buddhism. This faith spoke to their hearts, offering a glimmer of hope through the idea of a Buddha of the Future, who would emerge at the end of time, guiding them to eternal peace.
The aristocracy, perched high in their grand palaces, found themselves particularly enchanted by this promise. They were captivated, their spirits lifted by the notion of transcending the mortal struggles that life bestowed upon them. In their quest for salvation, they became steadfast supporters of Buddhism, embracing its teachings with ardent devotion.
Amidst the serene landscapes and the tranquil temples, small sculptures emerged, each a testament to this newfound faith. One such sculpture, radiating gentle grace, captured the essence of hope and reverence. Its powerful presence seemed to breathe life into the very ideals it represented.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape, these devotional objects stood as silent witnesses to the faith that was taking root—a faith that promised not just an end, but a profound beginning.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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